Drug Smuggling Using Drone at Truganina Correctional Facility.
Two individuals have been apprehended under suspicion of using a drone to smuggle drugs into a prison in Victoria.
The North West Metro Regional Crime Squad’s detectives have been conducting an investigation into the alleged incident that reportedly took place at a corrections facility in Truganina in March of this year.
According to reports, a milk carton was discovered within the facility containing illicit drugs and nicotine patches.
In collaboration with Corrections Victoria, the police have been diligently working to trace those responsible, leading to a series of search warrants executed last week.
On Thursday, July 13th, the two search warrants were carried out in Mount Waverley and Brunswick West, resulting in the arrest of both suspects.
The items confiscated during the search warrants included:
– 1 drone
– 4 grams of methyl amphetamine
– 3.2 grams of heroin
– 11 Buprenorphine strips
– An assortment of prescription medication
– 1 sword
– Multiple identification documents using different names
– Several mobile phones
A 39-year-old man from Mount Waverley is facing multiple charges, including trafficking drug of dependence, introducing an item into a prison, possession of drugs and prescription medication, handling stolen goods, dealing in the proceeds of crime, possessing a prohibited weapon, failing to answer bail, and committing an indictable offense while on bail.
He is scheduled to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on July 17th.
Meanwhile, a 31-year-old woman from Brunswick West has been charged with trafficking drug of dependence, introducing an item into a prison, and possessing drugs. She has been granted bail and is expected to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 26th.
It’s important to note that Section 32 of the Corrections Act 1986 makes it a criminal offence to send or attempt to send anything into or out of a prison. The maximum penalty for this offense is 2 years imprisonment.
For anyone with information regarding drug trafficking or the smuggling of items into Victorian prisons, authorities urge you to report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria. You can provide an anonymous report by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
